8+ Helpful Funeral Announcement Templates
There are often cultural expectations when it comes to the wording or messaging surrounding the death of a loved one, so it’s important to know what the proper etiquette is when sending out funeral announcements. While there are general templates, you’re always welcome to adjust wording accordingly so that it fits with your style (or the deceased’s wishes) and feels natural coming from you and your family. This article will provide you with funeral invitation templates and samples so that you can send out funeral announcement cards with comfortability. If you're using Facebook or other social media, you can use these funeral announcement samples to
What is a funeral announcement?
A funeral announcement, or death notice, is a card or invitation that’s physically or digitally sent to family and friends of the deceased. It announces the passing of a loved one and usually gives information about any services or events being held. If no events are being held (or they’re small and private), the funeral announcement can simply announce the passing of a loved one with a brief overview of who they were.
Funeral announcements are not obituaries and should remain succinct. If it’s being used to invite others to an event, it’s important to include all relevant event information and details.
Send an online funeral announcement
How can I use a template for a funeral announcement?
Using free funeral announcement templates simplifies creating and sharing details about the service. Fill in key information like the deceased's name, dates, service time, location, and any special requests (e.g., donations). Personalize it with a photo or meaningful wording, then print or share digitally.
Many people have never had to send out funeral service announcements, so templates give them a place to start. When you read through the following funeral service announcement templates (for free), try to identify the information you'd like to include in the funeral service announcement you're making.
What do free funeral service announcement templates usually have?
Free funeral service announcement templates typically include the deceased's name, birth and death dates, service date, time, location, and optional reception details. They often allow space for a photo, a brief message, or a meaningful quote.
Funeral Announcement Sample
If choosing to send a physical funeral announcement, a sample would look like this:
[Deceased’s full name]
[Date of birth] - [Date of Death]
The friends and community of the [last name] family are invited to attend the funeral services of [deceased’s name] to be held at [location] at [time], [date]. A reception will follow at [location] at [time].
Funeral Announcements Examples, Templates, and Samples
Maria Temple Kim
1945 - 2004
The friends and community of the Kim family are invited to attend the funeral services of Maria Kim to be held at Episcopal Church in Minnesota, 1101 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411 at 10:30AM, Saturday, December 19th. A reception will follow across the street at Fairpointe Park at 11:30 AM.
Following are some additional templates for different types of funeral events one might hold after someone passes away. When you’re writing a funeral announcement, keep it brief and to the point. The funeral announcement is not a place to tell the life story of the person who passed away, which is better told in an obituary. Think of a funeral announcement as an invitation and include the relevant information you’d include on a normal invitation.
Funeral Announcement Templates
If you're sending funeral service invitations, but have never created a funeral announcement - these samples and templates can help you. Best of all, they're free! You are welcome to use these funeral invites and edit them as you need to. A few key points you'll want to remember when sending out an invite to a funeral are as follows:
- The full name of the deceased
- The date of the services
- The time of the services
- The location of the services
Funeral invitations also can include a photo of the deceased, a favorite quote, or other information. It may also be worth notifying folks of other services (such as the Luncheon or Reception). An invitation to a funeral is also a time to collect RSVPs. You can request folks who received funeral invites respond with their RSVP by including your contact information.
Formal funeral announcement template with services
In Memoriam, [full name].
[date of birth] - [date of death]
The honour of your presence is hereby requested at the memorial service for [first name]. Services will take place at [location] on [day] at [time].
Example
In Memoriam, Juan Gabriel de Leon.
1932 - 2020
The honour of your presence is hereby requested at the memorial service for Juan. Services will take place at Cambridge Fields, 230 Sixth St, Newark, NJ 07104 on Sunday, November 15th at 9:45 AM.
Formal funeral announcement template without services / private services
In Memory of
[Full name]
[date of birth] - [date of death]
The [last name] family is sad to announce the passing of [full name] on [date of passing]. [First name] requested private services, though we thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Example
In Memory of
Sarah Diane Schecter
1980 - 2020
The Schecter family is sad to announce the passing of Sarah Diane Schecter on Saturday, November 28th. Sarah requested private services, though we thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Longer funeral announcement template with services
In Memory of
[Full name]
[date of birth] - [date of death]
[Full name], passed away after a [cause of death] on [date] surrounded by friends and family. [He/She] is survived by [surviving immediate family members]. Our family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Services will be held at [location] on [date] at [time]. A reception with refreshments will follow at [location]. Donations can be made to [cause name] in lieu of flowers.
Example
In Memory of
Matthew Mason Eastwood
1973 - 2020
Matthew Mason Eastwood, passed away after a car accident] on 2011 surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Ronae, and his children Darius & Kiana. Our family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Services will be held at Greenwood Funeral Services, 409 Rhododendron Avenue, Reno, NV on Saturday, October 24th at 11:30AM. A reception with refreshments will follow at our home, 2910 Ashland Street, Sparks, NV. Donations can be made to Reno in lieu of flowers.
Longer funeral announcement template without services / private services
In Honor of
[Full name]
[date of birth] - [date of death]
[Full name], passed away after a [cause of death] on [date] surrounded by friends and family. [He/She] is survived by [surviving immediate family members]. Our family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Private services will be held. Donations can be made to [cause name] in lieu of flowers.
Example
In Honor of
James Edward Darcy
1960 - 2020
James Edward Darcy, passed away after a brief illness on November 12th, 2020 surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his brother, Edward, and his sister Jane. Our family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Private services will be held. Donations can be made to Crossroads Church Youth Program in lieu of flowers.
Non-religious funeral announcement card template (free)
Celebrating the Life of [Name]
[Full Name]
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Passing]
Please join us to honor and celebrate the life of [Name].
Service Details:
Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time]
Location: [Venue Name & Address]
We gather to remember a life well-lived and share cherished memories together.
For inquiries or details, contact: [Your Contact Info].
Religious funeral announcement with services
In Loving Memory
[Full name]
[date of birth] - [date of death]
[Favorite religious quote]
Please join us in remembering and honoring the life of [name]. Services will be held at [location] on [date] at [time]. Reception will follow at [location].
Example
In Loving Memory
Jon Caen Arad
1982 - 2020
Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Please join us in remembering and honoring the life of Jon. Services will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8001 2nd Street, Indianapolis, IN on November 14th at 11:30 AM. Reception will follow at Central Street Park, 304 Central Street, Indianapolis, IN.
Religious funeral announcement template without services / private services
In Loving Memory
[Full name]
[date of birth] - [date of death]
[Favorite Bible or religious quote]
Our family is sad to announce the passing of [full name] on [date of death]. [First name] will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Services will be held for the family only as [first name] did not wish to have a public service.
Example
In Loving Memory
Carl Marco Santos
1946 - 2020
6. Colossians 3:14: "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Our family is sad to announce the passing of Carl Marco Santos on October 13th. Carl will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Services will be held for the family only as Carl did not wish to have a public service.
Formal funeral arrangement announcement template
Funeral Arrangement Announcement
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of [Full Name], who departed this life on [Date].
Funeral Arrangements
Service Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time]
Location: [Venue Name, Address]
We kindly invite family and friends to join us in honoring and celebrating [Name]'s life.
For inquiries, please contact: [Phone/Email].
Celebration of life funeral announcement template
Please join us for a Celebration of Life
In Loving Memory of
[Full name]
[date of birth] - [date of death]
[date of services]
[location of services]
Kindly RSVP with [your name] at [phone number or email address].
Example
Please join us for a Celebration of Life
In Loving Memory of
Martina von Grae
1985 - 2020
Saturday, November 7th at 10:00 AM
Montalvo Regional Arboretum, 1209 La Vista Road, Denver, CO 80014
Kindly RSVP with Arnold at 555-555-5555 or by email at example@example.com.
Celebration of life funeral announcement template #2
Please join us in celebrating the life of [Full name]
[date of birth] - [date of death]
Date of services: [date of services]
[location of services]
Kindly RSVP with [your name] at [phone number or email address].
We hope you can join us in celebrating the amazing life of our beloved [sister/brother/mother/father/friend], [First name]
Example
Please join us in celebrating the life of Gerard Sutler
January 3rd, 1982 - March 15th, 2020
Date of services: March 15th 2020
Peak Lake, Lot A
Kindly RSVP with Mariana at (555) 555-5555 or by email at email@example.com
We hope you can join us in celebrating the amazing life of our beloved friend, Gerard.
Funeral announcement flyer: free template
In Loving Memory of [Name]
[Date of Birth] - [Date of Passing]
Join us as we celebrate the life of [Name].
Funeral Service
Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time]
Location: [Insert Venue Name & Address]
Reception to Follow
[Optional details, if applicable]
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity/Organization Name].
For more information, contact: [Phone/Email].
Hindu funeral announcement template
Subject: Invitation to Antim Sanskar for [Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
With profound grief, we inform you of the passing of our beloved [Name] on [Date]. We invite you to join us for [his/her] Antim Sanskar (last rites) to honor [his/her] journey.
Funeral Ceremony Details:
Date: [Insert date]
Time: [Insert time]
Location: [Insert cremation ground or venue address]
Prayer Gathering (Optional):
Date: [Insert date]
Time: [Insert time]
Location: [Insert address]
Please keep [Name] in your prayers and join us in offering our final respects.
Om Shanti,
[Your Name/Family Name]
[Contact information]
Islamic funeral announcement template
Subject: Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un - [Name]'s Janazah
Dear [Recipient's Name],
It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of [Name] on [Date].
Janazah (Funeral) Prayer and Burial Details:
Date: [Insert date]
Time: [Insert time]
Location: [Insert mosque or funeral location]
Burial:
Location: [Insert cemetery name and address]
Time: [Insert time, if different]
We kindly request your prayers for [Name]. May Allah (SWT) forgive [his/her] sins, grant [him/her] Jannah, and give strength to the family.
JazakAllahu Khair,
[Your Name/Family Name]
[Contact information]
Funeral and wake announcement email template
Subject: Celebration of Life for [Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of [Name] on [Date]. To honor [his/her/their] life and the joy [he/she/they] brought to so many, we invite you to join us for a funeral and wake.
Funeral Service:
Date: [Insert date]
Time: [Insert time]
Location: [Insert venue name and address]
Wake to Follow:
Time: [Insert time]
Location: [Insert venue name and address, or mention "same location"]
We hope you can join us in celebrating [Name]'s life and sharing memories together. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to let us know if you’ll attend.
With love,
[Your Name/Family Name]
[Contact information]
Email funeral announcement templates
Following are some digital funeral announcement templates you can use when sending an announcement by email. Many of these can also be altered to function as Facebook funeral announcement templates, simply by removing the subject line and including the information in a post.
Template 1
Subject: In Loving Memory of [Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of [Full Name] on [Date].
The funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Time], at [Location].
We hope you can join us to honor [Name]'s memory.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2
Subject: Celebrating the Life of [Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of [Name] on [Date]. [Name] was a beloved [relation/friend], and their memory will live on in our hearts forever.
We will gather to celebrate their life on:
Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time]
Location: [Insert Venue Name, Address]
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to [Charity/Organization Name], a cause close to [Name]’s heart.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Template 3
Subject: Honoring the Memory of [Name]
Dear Friends and Family,
We are heartbroken to share the loss of our beloved [Full Name], who passed away on [Date]. [Name] brought joy, love, and kindness to everyone around them and will be deeply missed.
Please join us in celebrating [Name]’s remarkable life:
Service Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time]
Location: [Insert Venue Name, Address]
Following the service, a reception will be held at [Reception Venue or "the family home"].
To honor [Name], we encourage donations to [Charity/Organization Name] in lieu of flowers.
Your love and support mean so much to us during this time of grief.
With gratitude,
[Your Name & Family]
Online funeral announcements
Sending out funeral announcements by mail can be expensive, time-consuming, and difficult if you don’t have someone’s physical address. Dealing with event coordination and logistics during a time of grief can prove to be extremely difficult for families going through a time of grief. If you’re interested in an easier and quicker way to send out funeral announcements, creating a memorial website is a great place to start.
Memorial websites allow you to formally announce the passing of a loved one and keep their community informed on any events or services that will be held. You can add multiple events, include their locations, add additional details, and collect RSVPs. Creating a memorial website in place of sending out physical funeral announcements also offers the opportunity to reach many people, quickly, without having to know their physical address, since Ever Loved lets you send out a beautiful announcement via email that links to more information on the website.
Memorial websites are public, searchable online, easy to interact with, and easy to update. Many families have turned to an online memorial website as a way to better connect their community and share information about events in an organized manner.
If you’re setting up a memorial website in place of sending out physical funeral announcements, consider including the following:
- The type of event (funeral, celebration of life, other)
- The date and time of the event
- Any additional information (Are masks required? Is there a dress code? Should they bring or wear something specific to honor the life of the deceased?)
- Whether or not they should RSVP
Subscribers to your memorial website will be updated whenever you change or edit event information, which makes it easy for them to stay up to date with any last minute changes. Memorial websites also offer a great space to share condolences and memories, collect donations for unexpected funeral expenses (or for a charity of your choice), and to explore the life of your loved one.
